By Fashion Commentator Glynis Traill-Nash
Living in the ’70s
That ’70s feeling is still informing fashion, but it’s a fine line between the slick, glossy version currently in vogue (as per Gucci’s Fall 2011 collection, left) and looking like a throwback. First rule: any vintage pieces must be in top condition—there is no excuse for that. Frayed hems, holes and stains have no place here. If buying vintage, you must first look at the fabric, and make sure it is in excellent condition; any sizing issues could possibly be rectified by a good seamstress. One key element here is that this era calls for a true waistline. Dresses, skirts, trousers and jeans will all come in at your actual waist—not higher and certainly not lower. For daytime, skirt lengths are best at or below the knee, and great button-front dresses, like Halston’s originals, are a great look; platform wedges are great with skirts and dresses but are especially good with wide-legged jeans and a silky, tucked-in blouse. For evening, maxidresses in beautiful fabrics are the go, worn with sexy, strappy sandals and a sparkly little shoulder bag—just add glossy lipstick. Rich colours, more than busy prints, and luxe fabrics will elevate this look into truly chic—not tragic—territory.
Final bids
Vintage fashion lovers will be excited to hear about Wisteria Auctions—Australia’s first specialty vintage fashion auction house. Its first auction takes place on November 6 at Sydney’s Sebel hotel. Among the items up for sale are a selection of 1940s day dresses, 1950s cocktail dresses, 19th Century top hats, and antique store mannequins. Most exciting of all, however, are a number of items form the collection of costume designer Judith Dorsman, who created the costumes for classic Australian films including Picnic at Hanging Rock and Caddie. Among her pieces are 1930s silk pyjamas, Victorian-era lace collars from Brussels, as well as a selection of costume and fashion books. The full auction selection will soon be online at wisteriaauctions.com.au, and those not in Sydney can place phone bids prior to and during the live auction. Happy hunting!
Hat trick
Spring racing is upon us—and so is the search for the perfect race day outfit. Of course, the key element here is headwear. Fancy hats are the order of the day—whether feathered, frilled, floral or fantastic. Not everyone, however, feels comfortable sporting such frivolity. If you want something simpler, you can always opt for a more structured hat, perhaps from straw or sinamay (a stiff fabric peculiar to milliners), perhaps even a mini boater. They can still have a certain flair—such as with this straw piece from Sydney milliner Suzy O’Rourke (left)—but will leave you much less overwhelmed.
Otherwise, you can always keep things close to the head with a headband—a number of stores will have something for you, whether it’s jewelled (like this one form Jigsaw, left), sports a bow or some appliqué flowers. Whatever you choose, just remember: you have to wear the hat, the hat can’t wear you.
